Liz Whyte, HC-One’s Quality Projects Lead, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) this week in recognition of her outstanding commitment to social care.
A Registered Nurse with over 30 years’ experience in the care sector, Liz has dedicated her career to the care and wellbeing of older people. Over the years, Liz has touched the lives of so many residents, their families and colleagues, providing support and leadership.
Dedication to residents and leadership during the pandemic
Liz’s MBE is a recognition of the impact that she has made throughout her career, including her significant efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was without hesitation that Liz stepped up at the start of the pandemic to play a pivotal role in HC-One's response to COVID – delaying her retirement plans to do so. Liz, who became HC-One's COVID Lead, very quickly found herself working at a fast pace to digest and deliver complex information across a constantly changing environment.
During these unprecedented times, Liz worked round the clock to ensure all our Home Managers and teams had access to and understanding of the ever-evolving guidance across England, Scotland and Wales to keep our residents and colleagues safe.
Liz Whyte MBE, Quality Projects Lead at HC-One, commented:
“I am honoured and humbled to receive an MBE. It is a huge privilege to be named amongst others who have made a significant difference to people’s lives in their field of work.
“This MBE is really an award for all of my incredible colleagues who gave so much during the pandemic. We couldn’t have done what we did without them.”
Leadership, collaboration and going the extra mile
Liz co-ordinated efforts with all teams in HC-One throughout the pandemic. She ensured all homes had access to vital PPE by working closely with the procurement team, a significant accomplishment amidst widespread shortages.
Liz maintained open communication with the Department of Health and Social Care, sharing best practices and providing real-time feedback to policymakers. She also played an active role in piloting initiatives like PCR testing, lateral flow testing, and the Vivaldi study.
Going above and beyond in everything she did, Liz was a pillar of support, dedication and unwavering commitment to the HC-One family during the pandemic and beyond.
Liz continues to play a key role at HC-One now in her current position of Quality Projects Lead, supporting teams in our
care homes across England, Scotland and Wales to enhance the care that residents receive.
James Tugendhat, HC-One’s Chief Executive Officer said:
“Liz epitomises what we stand for at HC-One through her unwavering care and commitment to residents, their families and our colleagues. Liz delayed her retirement and took on the role as HC-One’s COVID-19 Lead, navigating an unprecedented situation, and showing dedication even in the most difficult of times.
“Liz’s achievement is representative of the difference that our colleagues make, and she'd be the first to say that she was just doing her job and working to support others to do the incredible work they did during the pandemic.
“We are so proud that Liz's work has been recognised through her MBE – congratulations Liz!”